When Do You Need An Immigration Lawyer?

Russian passport with handcuffs on black background

Immigration laws in the United States are said to be complex, perhaps second only to tax laws. In fact, getting your very own green card, visa, US citizenship, and applicable Social Security benefits for migrants would undoubtedly require the help or guidance of a legal counsel.

Since immigration laws are federal, an unlawful US resident may be able to seek the help of a lawyer from any state in the country. And while not all immigration-related activities need legal representation, having an immigration attorney can provide you with much-needed peace of mind.

If you’re on the fence about hiring a legal professional for an immigration issue, here are some of the theoretical situations that may compel you to seek the help of a lawyer:

  • You’re applying for citizenship in New York or in any other US state.
  • You’re not sure if you qualify for a green card or citizenship application.
  • You don’t know the best type of visa that applies to your case.
  • You’re looking to hire workers from other countries.
  • You’re planning to work in the US, but your employer is not taking charge of the immigration procedures.
  • You’re set to continue with your education in the US.
  • You want to apply for an investment-driven visa.
  • You need guidance in filling out your visa application.
  • Your immigration case is forwarded to the court.
  • You need to be legally represented or your immigration case.
  • Your immigration application process is excruciatingly slow.
  • You’re a US citizen planning to marry someone from another country.
  • You’re planning to file a visa application.
  • Your need legal advice to increase your chances for a successful citizenship or visa application.
  • You have difficulties understanding the application process.
  • You’re an unlawful migrant worker who needs legal advice before filing a worker’s compensation claim.
  • You’re planning to apply for a specific or special status, for instance, as an asylum seeker or a refugee.
  • You’ve been rejected for a US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) green card or citizenship.
  • You want to reapply after being rejected.
  • Your deportation or removal proceedings are about to commence.
  • You’ve been deported and want to return to the US.
  • You have an urgent immigration-related question.
  • You’ve committed a crime as an immigrant.
  • You’ve been convicted of a crime as an undocumented alien.

 

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other issues that would prompt the need for an immigration attorney

Why Should You Hire An Immigration Lawyer?

As mentioned, you don’t need to have a lawyer for your visa or immigration application. However, due the complexities of US immigration law, it’s in your best interest to have one. Here are the reasons why:

  1. Immigration Lawyers Have The Expertise You Need

Immigrating to the US comes with numerous issues, and an experienced lawyer is just what you need to get through many of them without a hitch. An immigration attorney knows the nitty gritty of the law and is updated on the ever-changing terms and procedures. If you want any advice on how to work legally in the country, plan to file for a visa or citizenship, or would like to question your deportation from the country, reach out to your lawyer.

  1. Immigrations Lawyers Can Ensure That Your Rights Are Upheld

All immigrants should be treated humanely and should not be discriminated upon. While they understandably enjoy fewer benefits compared to US citizens, immigrants still have specific rights as afforded to them by immigration laws. Seeking the services of an immigration lawyer will help ensure that you get the justice and benefits you deserve.

Whether you’ve been accused of a crime or are filing a lawsuit for personal injuries and other benefit claims, you lawyer is legally obliged to work in your best interests. They’ll fight tooth and nail to defend your rights to ensure you’re not subjected to exploitation.

3.    You Will Have Less Problems With Your Application 

Applying for a visa or citizenship can be exhausting and complicated. There are numerous forms that need to be filled out and additional documents that may be asked from you. Being able to fill out the forms correctly is critical to the success of your application. In contrast, a poorly completed form with inaccurate or missing information can cause your application to be rejected almost immediately. Worse, it can even give the authorities enough reason to have you expelled from the country as soon as possible.

Having the guidance of a legal counsel, though not mandatory, can help ensure that you’re filling out the forms correctly and completely, which increases your chances of getting approved.  

Final Thoughts

Hiring an immigration lawyer allows you to have peace of mind knowing that you can assert your rights or get the citizenship you’ve been longing for. Seeking the guidance of a seasoned lawyer can save you from the headaches, time, and cost that typically accompany most visa and citizenship applications.

Please be careful with parallelism. [RB1]